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Child Care Council News and Events

Survey Open for Business Navigator Toolkit

June 18th, 2024

Child Care Council Inc. is partnering with the Early Care & Learning Council and Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council as part of a statewide project to build and launch a Child Care Business Navigator Toolkit. The Business Navigator Toolkit is designed to help employers understand their employees’ child care needs and connect them with employee benefits, HR services, other child care resources, and relevant tax credits. The Toolkit will be launched in early 2025.

The Business Navigator Project is surveying businesses of all sizes and type to understand their benefits, child care challenges for their workforce, and current knowledge of available tax credits and incentives. The Employer Survey for NY Businesses will close July 3rd and will take less than 10 minutes to complete. Businesses interested in more information about the project, who would like to learn about being a Child Care Champion, or would like to request child care information or referral services for employees, can reach out to Child Care Council CEO Jeff Pier.

To complete the survey for your business, please click here.
Learn more about the Business Navigator Toolkit Project.

GCSD’s KidsCare Becomes First School-Based Child Care Program in the State to Implement Social-Emotional Development Model

February 12th, 2024

For the first time, Child Care Council Inc. is collaborating with a school-based child care program in New York to implement the Pyramid Model of social-emotional development.

The Pyramid Model is an evidence-based framework proven effective in building social and emotional competence in early care and education programs by promoting positive behavior and well-being in early childhood.

Greece Central’s KidsCare program began implementing the Pyramid Model last fall in collaboration with Child Care Council. KidsCare Coordinator Kelly Giudice said using the Pyramid Model in child care settings makes sense because it reinforces the behavioral expectations and social-emotional skills children already use in schools. Now, in addition to offering traditional recreational programming, KidsCare staff are working with children to build effective strategies to regulate emotions, develop conflict-resolution skills and strengthen friendships.

“The Pyramid Model has been instrumental in assisting us in the process of developing site-specific goals around our work on explicitly teaching social and emotional competencies to the children we serve,” said Giudice. “We believe that our focus on social and emotional competence will not only assist the children in their academic achievements but will also help them to grow as healthy and happy humans.”

Child Care Council is providing specialized training, technical assistance and ongoing support to KidsCare staff as they implement Pyramid Model strategies into their daily practices. By adopting the model, the district aims to fortify the social-emotional foundational skills of children, laying the groundwork for a successful and fulfilling educational journey.

“KidsCare has fully embraced the Pyramid Model,” said Rose Shufelt, director of Health and Social Emotional Wellness, Child Care Council. “It has been inspirational to work with the KidsCare coordinator and staff and to see their commitment to promoting children’s social and emotional development.”

KidsCare has been providing before- and after-school child care to Greece Central School District students since 2021 and now serves 300 students in grades PreK-5 at seven Greece school sites. KidsCare has always sought to balance children’s daily academic experiences with interest-based recreational programming. To learn more about KidsCare, visit greececsd.org/kidscare or call (585) 966-2456.

Kiara Warren Elected Board Chair

January 30th, 2024

Warren becomes Council’s first African American board chair

Kiara Warren has been elected to serve as chair of Child Care Council Inc.’s board of directors. Warren is the first African American and youngest board chair in the Council’s history, and her three-year term as chair started Jan. 1, 2024. A member of the board since 2017, she most recently served as vice president.

“It is an honor to be elected by the board to serve Child Care Council as chair, said Kiara Warren. “I have enjoyed being part of the board guiding the Council as it transitions from a referral agency to a more holistic organization that helps families and advocates for improvements to the child care system. I look forward to working with board members, Council leadership and staff to further this transition and to continue expanding program offerings.”

“I am excited to continue working with Kiara on the board in her new leadership role,” said Child Care Council CEO Jeff Pier. “Kiara is a forward-thinking, innovative young professional who brings strategic thinking, great perspective and communications expertise to our board.”

Kiara Warren serves as a public relations associate at the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Golisano Children’s Hospital. In this role, she is a lead writer and develops and publishes content and communications programs for internal and external audiences. Prior to that, she was executive assistant to the Commissioner, City of Rochester’s Department of Recreation and Human Services.

Warren is working toward earning a master’s degree in Communication Management from Syracuse University, and she earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications: Advertising and Public Relations from RIT. She resides in the city of Rochester’s 19th Ward.

Council Earns DEI Leadership Seal

December 20th, 2023

Child Care Council has worked closely with 540 West Main during the last three years to become an agency that will always strive to learn, grow, and become a leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. CCC is proud of earning this seal from 540 West Main to recognize what we have accomplished so far. We are committed to continuing our DEI journey.

Thank you, 540 West Main and Calvin Eaton, for your professionalism and leadership throughout this process.

Child Care Council Receives Additional Grant Funding for Special Needs Service

October 17th, 2023

Child Care Council has been awarded additional grant funding for its prevention-based, consultative service that helps ensure children with disabilities have access to quality child care.

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation has awarded $285,000 in grant funding for Child Care Council’s special needs consultation service, which equips caregivers with strategies and supports to reduce suspension and expulsion for young children with disabilities in child care. Built on relationship-based practices, the service is provided through observation, modeling and collaboration. The special needs consultation service was initially funded by a $175,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.

“Child care suspensions and expulsions of children with special needs is a troubling issue that disproportionately impacts Black and Brown families,” said Child Care Council CEO Jeff Pier. “We are grateful that the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is continuing its strong support of this important service, which has already shown tremendous results.”

Since the service started in fall 2022, more than 90 children have been served with no suspensions or expulsions. To date, the Council has trained 75 child care providers in the service.

The Council’s team of special needs consultants provide a caring, compassionate, responsive and effective service to meet each program and child’s unique needs. The service, which does not provide 1-to-1 care to children, is available in Monroe, Wayne and Livingston counties. Child care providers interested in learning more about this service can contact Bethany Williams, director, special needs department, at 585.654.1287 or [email protected].

Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of vulnerable communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. Named after a tireless advocate for immigrants, children, and the poor, the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation funds programs and initiatives across New York State that either provide direct healthcare services or address the social determinants of health. For more information, visit https://www.cabrinihealth.org/.

New Service Aims to Reduce Child Care Suspensions, Expulsions of Children with Special Needs

February 13th, 2023

A new prevention-based, consultative service at Child Care Council Inc. will help ensure children with disabilities have access to quality child care.

Child Care Council’s special needs consultation service will equip caregivers with strategies and supports to reduce suspension and expulsion for young children with disabilities in child care. Built on relationship-based practices, the service is provided through observation, modeling and collaboration.

According to a 2018 article by the Center for American Progress, “Suspensions Are Not Support,” children with disabilities in early childhood settings represent about 13% of enrolled children but account for 75% of suspensions and expulsions. Children with autism are the most likely to be suspended or expelled, according to Child Care Council, which served 125 families who self-reported at least one child was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders between January 2016 and December 2019.

Child Care Council’s team of special needs consultants will provide a caring, compassionate, responsive and effective service to meet each program and child’s unique needs. The special needs consultation service is funded by a $175,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.

The service, which does not provide 1-to-1 care to children, is available in Monroe, Wayne and Livingston counties. Child care providers interested in learning more about this service can contact Bethany Williams, special needs services supervisor, at 585.654.1287 or [email protected].

Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of vulnerable communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. Named after a tireless advocate for immigrants, children, and the poor, the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation funds programs and initiatives across New York State that either provide direct healthcare services or address the social determinants of health. For more information, visit https://www.cabrinihealth.org/. Further information: [email protected].

Child Care Professional Urgent Fund

June 29th, 2022

Attention Early Childhood Professionals: You may be eligible for assistance through the Child Care Professional Urgent Fund, a partnership of Child Care Council and ESL Charitable Foundation.

For more information: https://childcarecouncil.com/community-resources/child-care-professionals/

Child Care Council Names Jeffrey Pier Executive Director

May 22nd, 2020

Pier succeeds CEO Barbara-Ann Mattle, who is retiring

ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 22, 2020 – Jeffrey Pier has been named Child Care Council Inc.’s new executive director. He starts his new role on June 26.

Pier comes to Child Care Council after serving as executive director of The Healing Connection, an eating-disorder treatment program for adolescents and adults. He takes over leadership of the nonprofit agency from CEO Barbara-Ann Mattle, who is retiring effective June 30. Mattle worked to support child care development and to enhance the quality of child care, both locally and nationally, for more than 35 years.

“I look forward to the wonderful opportunity to build on the success of Barbara-Ann Mattle and the Council staff in their efforts to improve access to quality child care,” Jeffrey Pier said. “I firmly believe we can be successful through team-building and collaboration, and I will bring my passion for program development, staff collaboration and client-centered services to help meet the child care needs of our community.”

“I am extremely proud of my more than three decades of work to improve and support the development of high-quality child care programs in New York state,” Barbara-Ann Mattle said. “I want to thank the Council board of directors, leadership team and staff for their amazing work and support over the years to connect families with quality child care. I know that I am leaving the Council in great hands with Jeff Pier.”

Jeffrey Pier has years of experience working with people who have suffered through trauma, and he has seen firsthand trauma’s impact on their health and on their feelings of self-worth. Prior to leading The Healing Connection, Pier served as director of programs and services at Willow Domestic Violence Center, as regional director for the Rape Crisis Program at Planned Parenthood of Western New York – RESTORE and as program manager at St. Joseph’s Villa. A resident of Chili, Pier earned a master’s degree in public administration from Walden University and a bachelor’s degree in human service from Empire State College.

Child Care Council has an annual budget of more than $7 million, and it employs more than 50 people. The nonprofit has three offices in Rochester, Lakeville and Newark.

Council CEO Barbara-Ann Mattle Retiring After More Than Three Decades

May 19th, 2020

Child Care Council Inc. CEO Barbara-Ann Mattle announced today that she is retiring after 37 years in the role, effective June 30, 2020. The Council will soon announce her successor.

During her tenure directing the Council’s operations, Barbara-Ann Mattle achieved great success in supporting child care development and in enhancing the quality of child care, both locally and nationally. She helped build Child Care Council from an agency with a $20,000 budget and a staff of 1.5 people into the largest Child Care Resource and Referral agency in New York state, with a $7 million budget, 60 employees and offices in Monroe, Livingston and Wayne counties.

Programs and services greatly expanded under Mattle’s leadership, including New York State Family and School-Sage Child Care Program Registration and Inspection services, New York State Legally Exempt Child Care Enrollment and Inspection, an early childhood professional library, and a Repurpose and More Store. Mattle also facilitated the Region II New York State Regional Infant/Toddler Resource Center in nine counties; the New York State Pyramid Model program; the USDA Child and Adult Food Programs sponsorship, and the Eat Well/Play Hard nutrition program in eight counties.

Other program accomplishments included launching a Special Needs service, multilingual interpretation and support services (Spanish, Swahili, Arabic and Urdu), and a nine-county Infant/Toddler Childhood Mental Health Consultation service. Child Care Council also became one of only 10 sites across the country selected to participate in the Vroom project, a partnership with the Bezos Family Foundation and Child Care Aware of America designed to strengthen the relationship between child care providers and families by focusing on brain-building language and tools

“I am extremely proud of my more than three decades of work to improve and support the development of high-quality child care programs in New York state,” Barbara-Ann Mattle said. “We accomplished a great deal on behalf of area children and families, child care providers and early educators, working with the Council board of directors, leadership team and staff. I want to thank each of them for their amazing work and support over the years to improve access to child care and to connect families with quality child care.”

A nationally recognized expert in the child care field, Mattle has earned numerous awards, including the Notable Women in Human Services Hall of Fame and The Human Services Council of New York’s 2020 Strong Nonprofits Leader Award; the Rochester Business Journal’s 2019 Icon Honors award; 2018 National Family Child Care Organization Family Child Care Accreditation Project of the Year; the Family Child Care Association of New York State’s 2018 Friend of Family Child Care Award; and 2017 RIT Alumnus of the Year. She has also made national presentations on topics, from how to operate a child care center, to career options and child care center financial management.

Mattle is a certified accredited facilitator and an accredited observer trainer from the National Family Child Care Association, a certified trainer in eco-friendly child care, a SUNY-certified New York State Health and Safety trainer. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from Rochester Institute of Technology, her child care certificate from St. John Fisher College, and her certificate in child care center facility design from Harvard and Tufts University.

Child Care Council Launches New Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Service

May 8th, 2020

Child Care Council Inc. is launching a new prevention-based, consultative service to help ensure long-term improvement in infant and children’s mental health.

The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) service is designed to equip caregivers with strategies and supports to strengthen children’s social, emotional, and behavioral health development – early and before intervention is needed. Based on relationship-based practices, it also employs skill- and relationship-building efforts with the adults in a child’s life.

Child Care Council’s team of mental health professionals will work with child care programs to provide a caring, compassionate, responsive and effective experience to meet their programs’ individual needs. The Council’s program is part of a statewide model of quality infant toddler mental health consultation.

“IECMHC will have a positive impact on the long-term mental health of infants and toddlers,” said Barbara-Ann Mattle, CEO, Child Care Council Inc. “Through consultations between our mental health professionals and child care providers, we aim to strengthen and support children’s social and emotional development, which are vital for school readiness and for success later in life.”

The service is available in Monroe, Wayne, Livingston, Seneca, Ontario, Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler and Yates counties. Child care providers interested in learning more about this consultative service can contact Rose Shufelt, director of the Council’s Health and Social Emotional Wellness department, at 585.654.4740 or [email protected].